The Gani Adams has declared that he is ready to mobilise millions of warriors to assist in combating banditry and rising insecurity across parts of South-West Nigeria if officially invited by the authorities.
Adams, who holds the traditional title of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, made the remarks while addressing growing concerns over kidnappings, violent attacks, and criminal activities affecting communities in the region.
According to him, the worsening security situation requires stronger collective action and cooperation between government institutions, local communities, and traditional structures to protect lives and property.
He stated that many able-bodied youths and local defenders across the South-West are willing to support lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace and safeguarding communities from armed bandits and criminal gangs.
The South-West has witnessed increasing security challenges in recent years, including kidnappings along highways, attacks on rural settlements, and the expansion of criminal networks operating in forested areas.
Adams emphasized that any mobilisation effort would only be carried out in collaboration with constituted authorities and within the framework of maintaining law and order.
His comments come amid renewed public debate over community-based security initiatives and the role of regional organisations in supporting conventional security agencies overwhelmed by Nigeria’s wider insecurity crisis.
The region already operates the Amotekun Corps, a regional security outfit established by South-West governors to strengthen local intelligence gathering and support policing efforts.
Supporters of Adams’ position argue that local vigilante groups and traditional institutions possess valuable knowledge of local terrains and communities, making them important partners in tackling insecurity.
However, critics caution against the risk of uncontrolled militias and emphasize the need for all security operations to remain under proper legal and constitutional oversight.
Security analysts say Nigeria’s growing insecurity has increasingly pushed communities and regional leaders to advocate stronger grassroots participation in security management, especially in areas where citizens feel vulnerable to attacks.
As calls for improved security continue nationwide, Adams’ statement is likely to fuel further discussions on the balance between federal security control, regional initiatives, and community-led responses to criminal violence in Nigeria.
